Xander's Chance (Chapter Six, page 1 of 13)

Did he know somehow why she was there? Is that why he dangled it before her? Jessi almost cursed. She entered the dark, sensual bedroom once again and accepted the necklace with the rough, round
red ruby at its center.

"Interesting," Xander said. "You're still standing."

"What?"

"You don't notice anything strange about it?"

She turned it over in her hands. Black metalwork held the gem in place. In the dim light of his bedroom, she was able to make out a small symbol on the metal: a moon in two separate phases, full
and crescent. The ruby glowed faintly, as if there was a light at its center.

"No, it's beautiful," she murmured, managing to hide her frustration at holding what she came for. "Family heirloom?"

"Something like that."

She rolled her eyes at the vague answer then stretched up on her tiptoes to wrap the chain around his neck. He was tall enough that the movement caused her body to rest against his, however
briefly. He steadied her with his hands on her hips. She almost dropped the necklace at his touch. The heat of his large hands burned through her thin dress, and warmth bloomed within her. He
smelled like the room: dark, smoky and slightly sweet.

Definitely five years since any man touched her.

Jessi fumbled with the lobster clasp on the black cord necklace, completely shaken by his size and heat.

He was right, but she wasn't about to admit it. The man who didn't seem to know what to do with her yesterday was toying with her today. She didn't like it at all, not when there was so much at
stake. She needed to grab that necklace and leave. Fast.